Job interviews in the UK follow patterns and expectations that are often not explained explicitly. Many candidates fail interviews not because they lack ability, but because they misunderstand how UK employers assess suitability, communication style, and evidence of competence.
This guide explains exactly how to prepare for a job interview in the UK, what interviewers are really looking for, and how to present yourself confidently and professionally.
For a full overview of how interviews fit into the wider hiring process, read UK Jobs and Careers: The Complete Guide for Job Seekers (2026 Edition).
How UK Job Interviews Typically Work
Common Interview Formats in the UK
UK employers use several interview formats, depending on the role and organisation.
The most common include:
One-to-one interviews
Panel interviews
Competency-based interviews
Video interviews, live or pre-recorded
Assessment centres for graduate and early career roles
Most interviews combine competency questions with role-specific or technical questions.
Understanding the format in advance allows you to prepare targeted answers rather than generic responses.
What UK Interviewers Are Really Assessing
UK interviewers are usually trying to answer three core questions:
Can you do the job?
Will you fit into the team and organisation?
Can you communicate clearly and professionally?
Your answers, examples, and behaviour should consistently support these points.
Step 1: Analyse the Job Description Properly
Why This Step Is Often Missed
Many candidates skim the job description and rely on their general experience. UK interviews are closely tied to the criteria listed in the advert.
Ignoring this step leads to unfocused answers.
How to Do It Correctly
Break the job description into:
Required skills
Desired experience
Key responsibilities
Each of these areas is a potential interview question. Your preparation should map directly to them.
Related reading: Why You Are Not Getting Interviews in the UK
Step 2: Prepare Competency-Based Examples Using STAR
Why Competency Interviews Are Common in the UK
UK employers believe past behaviour is a strong indicator of future performance. Competency questions are designed to test this.
Examples include:
Tell me about a time you handled a difficult situation
Describe a time you worked under pressure
Give an example of teamwork
How to Use the STAR Method
Structure every example using:
Situation: the context
Task: your responsibility
Action: what you did
Result: the outcome
UK interviewers expect clear structure and reflection. Avoid long stories or vague outcomes.
Step 3: Research the Employer Thoroughly
What Counts as Proper Research in the UK
Basic research is not enough. UK employers expect candidates to understand the organisation beyond the job title.
You should know:
What the organisation does
Its values and mission
Recent news or developments
How the role fits into the wider team
This information should be woven naturally into your answers.
Step 4: Prepare Answers to Common UK Interview Questions
Some questions appear in most UK interviews.
You should prepare clear answers for:
Tell me about yourself
Why do you want this role?
Why do you want to work here?
What are your strengths?
What are your areas for development?
Answers should be professional, honest, and relevant to the role.
Avoid overly personal or rehearsed responses.
Step 5: Prepare Questions to Ask the Interviewer
Why This Matters in the UK
UK interviewers expect candidates to ask questions. Not asking any can be interpreted as a lack of interest.
Good Questions to Ask
Strong questions focus on:
Team structure
Expectations in the first six months
Performance measurement
Development opportunities
Avoid questions that could easily be answered by reading the job advert.
Related reading: What Questions to Ask at the End of a UK Interview
Step 6: Know What to Wear to a UK Job Interview
General Expectations
Dress codes vary by industry, but professionalism is always expected.
As a rule:
Corporate roles favour formal or smart business wear
Creative and tech roles may allow smart casual
When unsure, dress slightly more formally
Clean, simple, and well-fitted clothing creates a positive first impression.
Step 7: Prepare for Video Interviews
Video interviews are now standard in the UK.
How to Prepare
Test your technology in advance
Choose a quiet, neutral background
Maintain eye contact with the camera
Speak clearly and at a measured pace
Treat video interviews with the same seriousness as in-person interviews.
Step 8: Understand UK Interview Etiquette
Small details matter.
UK interview etiquette includes:
Arriving early
Polite and professional communication
Listening carefully before answering
Thanking the interviewer at the end
Confidence should be balanced with humility.
Step 9: Prepare for Salary Questions
When Salary Comes Up
Salary discussions often occur later in the process, but you may be asked about expectations.
How to Answer
Base your response on:
Market research
Your experience level
The role responsibilities
Avoid giving an unresearched figure.
Related reading: How to Negotiate Salary in the UK
Step 10: Follow Up After the Interview
Is Following Up Expected?
A brief follow-up email thanking the interviewer for their time is acceptable and often appreciated in the UK.
Keep it professional and concise.
Common UK Interview Mistakes to Avoid
Rambling answers
Failing to give examples
Criticising previous employers
Lack of preparation
Not asking questions
Avoiding these mistakes alone can improve outcomes significantly.
Quick UK Interview Preparation Checklist
Before your interview, check:
I understand the job description fully
I have prepared STAR examples
I have researched the employer
I know what questions to ask
I am clear on my strengths and development areas
Preparation builds confidence.